Check into your first night’s hotel, then get out to explore – there’s lots to see! This charming university city on the shores of Lake Constance still has a medieval feel. Stroll around the pedestrianised Old Town with its winding cobbled streets, historic buildings – many with beautifully painted murals – and lively shops, cafes and bars. Don’t miss the famous Minster (cathedral), which dates from the seventh century and dominates the city’s skyline – climb to the top of the tower for some incredible views. Or perhaps take the opportunity to visit the island of Mainau.

Your first day’s cycling starts with a ride along the romantic Untersee (lower lake). You’ll cycle through tiny fishing villages and the enchanting town of Stein am Rhein – take a break to explore its well-preserved medieval centre, with half-timbered buildings and fairytale market square. From here you’ll cycle to your overnight stop in Schaffhausen. The city is the canton (state) capital and is dominated by the Munot, an imposing sixteenth century fort. After settling into your hotel we recommend a stroll through the picturesque Old Town, where many of the houses are richly decorated with oriel (bay) windows and lavish facades.

After breakfast, it’s a short cycle ride to the Rhine Falls where you can board a boat for a close-up view of the incredible Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe (150m wide and 23m high!). Afterwards, cycle through the Glatt Valley to cosmopolitan Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, where you’ll spend the night. Check out ritzy Bahnhofstrasse for upmarket shopping or head to the Niederdorf area in the Old Town for characterful, cobbled streets crammed with shops, cafes and restaurants. Top tip: don’t miss artist Marc Chagall’s extraordinary stained glass windows, created for the thirteenth century Fraumunster church in 1967.

It is possible to shorten today's ride to 55 km by taking the S-Bahn train Zurich Airport into the city.

Today you’ll cycle along the northern shore of Lake Zurich – known locally as the golden coast, due either to its sunny aspect or high property prices! Take a break in Rapperswil – dubbed ‘Rosenstadt’ or the town of roses – to admire its famous rose gardens. Then stroll through medieval alleys to the impressive, thirteenth century Rapperswil Castle, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Old Town. Cross over Lake Zurich using the dam, then cycle along the shoreline to the little town of Lachen where you will spend the night.

Leaving Lachen you’ll cycle along the Linth Canal, the man-made waterway between Lake Zurich and Lake Walen. At the village of Weesen, you’ll board a boat for an enjoyable cruise to the other end of the lake. You disembark in the town of Walenstadt overlooked by the stunning peaks of the Churfirsten mountain range. The stunning scenery continues as you cycle along the wide valley. The Rhine river then leads you into the time principality of Liechtenstein to the alpine town of Vaduz where you will overnight.

Today you’ll continue to cycle alongside the Rhine for a little longer. Then you’re in for a treat: a cog-wheel mountain train ride from Altstätten up to the village of Gais. From here you’ll cycle across the alpine meadows to St. Gallen, one of the highest cities in Switzerland. The ride is a little hilly, but the superb views make it all worthwhile. Don’t miss the main attraction of St. Gallen, the Abbey of St. Gall and the Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After breakfast you’ll freewheel downhill from St. Gallen to the town of Arbon, on the shores of Lake Constance. Take a break to wander through the narrow medieval streets of the Old Town and visit Castle Arbon, which houses the town museum and features a great stone tower to climb. From Arbon you’ll enjoy an easy ride along the lake-shore past apple orchards and through charming waterfront villages before a triumphant return to Constance for the final night of your holiday.

After breakfast it’s time to check out and return home, or head off on your next adventure.